GA4 is an analytics service that enables you to measure traffic and engagement across your websites and apps. The following document provides implementation instructions and reference materials for a developer audience.
https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/ga4
It is on track to be more potent than Universal Analytics and provide more relevant data about why users are on your site and/or app. It allows you to combine the data from multiple data streams into one property and more accurately attribute actions to users across devices.
https://brandcraft.com/blog/5-reasons-you-need-google-analytics-4/
Plus, it's free! There's no cost to have tags running on your website or apps, and Analytics 360 customers will not be double-charged for Google Analytics 4 hits, though eventually there will be an Analytics 360 version with increased functionality and/or limits.
Analytics creates a single user journey from all the data that is associated with the same user ID. Unlike Universal Analytics, a Google Analytics 4 property incorporates User ID natively across all reporting, analysis and insights and does not require a separate User-ID reporting view.
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9964640?hl=en
How to Prepare for Google Analytics 4 in 2022- Sign up for our G4 Analytics webinar here.
- Update Your Tagging Structure.
- Update Your Reporting.
- Understand the New Functionality.
- Learn About the Benefits of GA4.
https://bluemoondigital.co/our-blog/prepare-for-google-analytics-4-in-2022/
Should I switch to Google Analytics 4?Google Analytics 4 is just getting off the ground, so it's only collecting a small portion of data. It also has different reports than Universal Analytics. So, no, you shouldn't totally switch from Universal Analytics. However, I do recommend turning on GA4 now so it can start collecting data.
https://www.leadfeeder.com/blog/new-google-analytics-4/
Is Google Analytics 4 free? Similar to Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4 is a free property type. There are no costs associated with using one (or more) GA4 properties on your account.
https://neilpatel.com/blog/google-analytics-4/
is our next-generation measurement solution, and it's replacing Universal Analytics. On July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will stop processing new hits. If you still rely on Universal Analytics, we recommend that you prepare to use Google Analytics 4 going forward.
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/11583528?hl=en
What's changing. The simple version: Universal Analytics is getting replaced by Google Analytics 4 starting July 1, 2023. The official announcement: Google announced that “On July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will no longer process data.
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2022/03/23/universal-analytics-going-away
GA4 is important as it allows the creation of complex conversions. GA4 users' engagement tracking is much more aligned with contemporary browsing behaviour. GA4 makes cross-domain tracking setup much easier. GA4 provides access to far more custom dimensions and custom metrics.
https://www.optimizesmart.com/benefits-of-using-google-analytics-4/
Further information:
https://blog.google/products/marketingplatform/analytics/prepare-for-future-with-google-analytics-4/